GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Recently, a significant leadership change occurred in Sri Lanka as the country elected a new President (Anura Kumara Dissanayake) amidst efforts to recover from a severe economic crisis. Observers are closely watching how Dissanayake balances relations between major powers, particularly India and China, especially given the island nation’s strategic geopolitical location in the Indian Ocean.

India-Sri Lanka Relations

• India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing relationship characterized by geographical proximity and cultural ties. In response to the recent economic crisis, India provided substantial financial assistance, which helped Sri Lanka sustain essential imports and stabilize its economy.
• India and Sri Lanka share not only close trade relations, but also ethnic and religious ties.
• Sri Lanka has an important place in both India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision.
• Trade Relations: India stands as Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner and one of its top investors, with total foreign direct investment surpassing USD 2.2 billion.
  • In 2021, India accounted for the largest share of foreign direct investment at USD 142 million, focusing primarily on sectors such as petroleum, manufacturing, real estate, telecommunications, and banking and financial services.
• However, in recent years, Sri Lanka has become an arena of geopolitical rivalry and maritime competition between India and China.

What about China?

• Sri Lanka President Anura Dissanayake belongs to a party with strong left-wing ideology, which has led to a Marxist insurgency in the past.
• This ideological affinity could present China with another opportunity. However, Sri Lanka’s engagement with the neighbourhood, especially India, could be dependent on how India engages with Sri Lanka.
• The relationship has been on a stronger footing off-late, making China’s ambition in Sri Lanka not easy.
• Last year, India and Sri Lanka agreed to strengthen the maritime, air, energy, tourism, power, trade, and education sectors.
• India has already made significant moves to counter China’s expansionist agenda in the island.
• India has also invested in a part of the Colombo port, Kankesanthurai port, Trincomalee port, Jaffna and Hambantota airports, amongst other infrastructure projects like a two-way petroleum pipeline.

Advantages for India

A strengthened relationship with Sri Lanka offers several advantages for India:

• Geopolitical Stability: A stable Sri Lanka helps mitigate the influence of other regional powers, enhancing security in the Indian Ocean.
• Economic Opportunities: With significant investments already made, India can further expand its presence in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
• Regional Connectivity: Proximity allows for better integration of economies, providing opportunities for trade and collaboration with South India.
• Influence in the Region: Strengthening ties helps India maintain its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean and counterbalance the influence of other nations.

Why Sri Lanka Matters to India?

Sri Lanka's significance to India is rooted in several key factors:

• Strategic Location: The country is strategically located at the crossroads of busy shipping routes. Positioned in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a crucial hub for maritime trade routes, impacting regional trade and security.
• Cultural Connections: The historical and cultural links between the two nations foster a sense of shared identity that is important for bilateral cooperation.
• Economic Interdependence: The strong trade relationship and presence of an Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka enhance economic ties and mutual benefits.
• Regional Security: The stability and alignment of Sri Lanka can influence broader regional dynamics, making it essential for India’s strategic interests. The interests of India and Sri Lanka are “closely intertwined” in the realms of security and defence. 

The Supreme Court of India recently addressed the persistent issue of stubble-burning in Punjab and Haryana, a practice that contributes significantly to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly around Diwali. The court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for failing to prosecute violators of stubble-burning laws, despite having the authority to impose severe penalties. This issue has drawn public attention due to its direct impact on air quality and public health in the NCR.

Key Observations Made by the Supreme Court

• Need for Criminal Prosecution: The court emphasized that without criminal prosecution of farmers and public servants involved in stubble-burning, the issue will persist. It noted that the CAQM has not registered a single case of violation, undermining the effectiveness of its orders.
• Failure of CAQM: The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM for its inaction and lack of compliance with its own orders from June 2021 and April 2024. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the CAQM's focus on holding meetings rather than taking concrete action against violators.
• Questioning CAQM's Monitoring: The court questioned whether the CAQM had two experts on air pollution as part of its panel, indicating concerns about its capacity to tackle the issue effectively.
• Call for Action Reports: The court demanded action-taken reports from Punjab and Haryana within one week, indicating a serious approach to addressing the matter.
• Penal Actions and Accountability: The court pointed out that there have been no prosecutions under the CAQM Act despite the severe penalties outlined, calling for accountability for officials who have failed to enforce the law.
• Response to Punjab's Arguments: Punjab's justification for delaying penal action—citing the need for alternative incentives for farmers—was met with skepticism by the court, which emphasized that such political considerations should not interfere with legal responsibilities.

What is Stubble Burning?

• Stubble burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat.
• This removal generally occurs from the last week of September to November.
• It is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc.
• Consequences:
  • The process of burning farm residue is one of the major causes of air pollution in parts of north India, deteriorating the air quality.
  • Along with vehicular emissions, it affects the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital and NCR.
• Paddy stubble burning is practised mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, and UP to clear the fields for rabi crop sowing.
  • The paddy crop is harvested between the first and last weeks of October in Punjab and Haryana.
  • Then, farmers sow the wheat crop from the first week of November until the middle of December.
• The major reason behind the stubble burning is the short time available between rice harvesting and sowing of wheat as delay in sowing wheat affects the wheat crop.

Impact

• Pollution: Stubble burning emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• Soil fertility: Soil becomes less fertile and its nutrients are destroyed when the husk is burned on the ground
• Heat penetration: Stubble burning generates heat that penetrates into the soil, causing an increase in erosion, loss of useful microbes and moisture.

Solutions to Stubble Burning

• Solutions to stubble burning include readily available and affordable super seeder machines that pluck out the crop residue and turn it into manure, incentivising sale of fodder from paddy harvest and flexible sowing dates for paddy as also paddy varieties with shorter cycles for harvesting.
• Important Artificial Machines
  • Happy Seeder(used for sowing of crop in standing stubble)
  • Rotavator (used for land preparation and incorporation of crop stubble in the soil)
  • Zero till seed drill (used for land preparations directly sowing of seeds in the previous crop stubble)
  • Baler (used for collection of straw and making bales of the paddy stubble)
  • Paddy Straw Chopper (cutting of paddy stubble for easily mixing with the soil)
  • Reaper Binder (used for harvesting paddy stubble and making into bundles)

Recently, the plight of the Chenchus, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh, has come to the forefront due to the significant socio-economic challenges they face.

About the Chenchus (children of the forest)

• The Chenchus are an aboriginal tribe that speaks Telugu and are considered one of the oldest tribes in Andhra Pradesh.
• They are the original inhabitants of the Nallamala Hills.
• The community is characterized by low literacy rates and a subsistence economy, relying heavily on forest resources for food and livelihood.
• The total Chenchu population stands at approximately 28,349.
• Traditionally, they have been food gatherers, depending on wild fruits, tubers, and non-timber forest produce.

Living Conditions

• The living conditions of the Chenchus are starkly contrasted with the neighboring town of Dornala, which has experienced significant growth in recent years.
• In the hamlet of Panukumadugu, where many Chenchus reside, homes are simple thatched huts, with few pucca houses in disrepair.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently approved the Alinity m MPXV assay, a real-time PCR diagnostic test for mpox that provides immediate results.

About recent Mpox Diagnosis

• The “real-time PCR test”, Alinity m MPXV assay enables the detection of the virus by testing swabs of skin lesions.
• Immediate Results: Previously, patients often waited days for test results. This new test will enable health workers to confirm suspected mpox cases more efficiently, which is crucial for controlling outbreaks.
• Global Impact: Mpox has been detected in 16 African countries this year, leading to over 800 deaths. The WHO notes that limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases contribute to the continued spread of the virus.
• Emergency Use Listing: The Alinity m MPXV assay is the first mpox diagnostic test to be listed under the WHO's Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure, which allows for the expedited availability of unlicensed tests during public health emergencies.

In light of the recent Iranian missile attack on Israel, there are pressing questions about India’s own missile defense capabilities.

Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program

• The BMD program was launched in 2000 post-Kargil War to create a multi-layered defense shield against ballistic missile threats.
• Phases: The BMD program consists of two phases:
  • Phase I: It focuses on high-altitude interception using systems like Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD).
  • Phase II: This phase extends capabilities to neutralize ballistic missiles in endo-atmospheric and low exo-atmospheric regions. The two-stage solid-propelled ground-launched missile system demonstrated successful interception capabilities.
• Key Components of BMD
  • Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): It is designed for exo-atmospheric interception, this system targets incoming ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
  • Advanced Air Defence (AAD): It is focused on endo-atmospheric interception, it complements the PAD by dealing with missiles at lower altitudes.

S-400 Triumf System

• India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 systems, with three units already operational.
• Capabilities:
  • Range: The S-400 can engage targets up to 400 kilometers away, effectively covering a vast area.
  • Target Tracking: It can track 300 targets simultaneously and engage 60-80 targets, employing a dual-missile strategy for each target.
  • Counter-Stealth: The system's advanced radar (AESA 1L119 NEBO SVU) is said to pose significant challenges for stealth aircraft, including the American F-35.

BrahMos missile system

• The BrahMos is a ramjet supersonic cruise missile of a short-range developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
• BrahMos was named after two major rivers of India and Russia: Brahmaputra and Moskva.
• The technology used in this joint venture is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks cruise missile and similar sea-skimming cruise missiles from Russia.
• Features:
  • Stealth Technology
  • Advanced guidance system
  • High Target Accuracy (irrespective of weather conditions)
  • Constant supersonic speed
  • Operates on ‘Fire and Forget’ Principle
  • BrahMos can be launched from land, aircraft, ships, and even submarines.
  • One of the heaviest missiles, weighing up to 2.5 tonnes.
• Surface-to-Air Missile Systems:
  • Akash Missile System: A versatile surface-to-air missile capable of intercepting aerial threats, including aircraft and missiles, at ranges up to 30 kilometers. While not specifically designed for ballistic missile defense, it enhances overall air defense capabilities.
  • Barak-8: A joint development with Israel, this medium-range surface-to-air missile system can engage various aerial threats, including missiles and drones, at ranges up to 70 kilometers.

On July 30, 2023, the villages of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad district faced devastating landslides, resulting in 231 deaths and 41 people missing. This tragedy has underscored the urgent need to reassess disaster management strategies in Kerala, a state previously considered relatively safe from such calamities.

Increasing Disaster Vulnerability

• Geographic Challenges: Kerala’s unique geography, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, has led to an increase in disaster occurrences, including floods and landslides. The region's population density is significantly above the all-India average, contributing to heightened vulnerability.
• Historical Context: The last few decades have seen a rise in the frequency and intensity of disasters in Kerala, such as the 2018 floods described by the World Meteorological Organization as the "floods of the century." Coastal erosion and regular flooding in low-lying areas demonstrate that the state's past safety from disasters is diminishing.
• Need for Scientific Assessment: Wayanad, characterized by its ravines and gorges, requires a comprehensive landslide inventory map that considers geological and hydrological factors. Current assessments focus too narrowly on slope and rainfall, neglecting a broader understanding of the region's geological dynamics.

Shifting Disaster Management Paradigms

• Proactive Strategies: A shift from reactive disaster management to a more proactive and comprehensive approach is essential. This involves addressing preparedness, risk reduction, and recovery, aligned with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Community Engagement: Community participation is crucial in creating disaster risk maps. Utilizing Kerala’s experience with the People’s Plan Campaign can empower local communities to engage in identifying and mitigating disaster risks.
• Integrated Disaster Risk Management: A quadruple helix model involving communities, academia, government, and industry can enhance disaster management. This integrated approach fosters communication and collaboration, ensuring that local development incorporates disaster risk considerations.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the impact of climate change on disaster management in Kerala, specifically focusing on the recent landslides in Wayanad. What measures can be taken to improve community engagement in disaster risk reduction?

The Supreme Court recently issued a landmark ruling prohibiting caste-based discrimination in prison treatment, addressing longstanding colonial practices and constitutional violations in Indian jails.

Historical Context

• Colonial Legacy: The Court highlighted that the prison system has perpetuated colonial-era practices linked to caste, which influenced labor allocation, food preparation, and prisoner treatment.
• Caste Hierarchy in Prisons: Menial tasks were disproportionately assigned to lower-caste prisoners, while higher-caste individuals maintained privileges, reflecting a direct correlation to caste-based discrimination.
• Untouchability Violations: Provisions mandating food preparation by prisoners from "suitable castes" and tasks assigned based on caste undermined constitutional prohibitions against untouchability.

Constitutional Implications

• Rights to Dignity: The Court asserted that caste-based labor distribution violates the right to dignity, compelling prisoners into degrading roles based solely on birth.
• Forced Labor Concerns: Rules facilitating manual scavenging and other menial tasks contravene constitutional protections against forced labor and exploitation, raising serious ethical concerns.
• Criminalization of Caste: The Court criticized the vague classification of 'habitual offenders,' which ascribed criminal tendencies to entire communities, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Call to Action

• Urgent Revisions Required: State governments are mandated to revise prison manuals within three months, aligning with the constitutional objective of equality and non-discrimination.
• Systemic Discrimination: There is a pressing need to eliminate systemic discrimination in prisons, which often labels resistance as indiscipline rather than acknowledging the rights of prisoners.
• Reassessment of Laws: State authorities must critically reassess existing laws and practices regarding prison administration to foster an equitable environment for all inmates.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the Supreme Court's recent ruling against caste-based discrimination in prisons. Discuss its implications for prison administration and constitutional rights in India.

The Indian government has initiated a circular migration program, allowing 997 youth from Maharashtra to work in Israel, earning a monthly salary of Rs 1.37 lakh. This program is designed to bridge skill gaps in developed countries while enhancing the skill sets of Indian workers.

Circular Migration

• Economic Opportunity: The program represents a shift from traditional brain drain to circular migration, where skilled workers can gain experience abroad and return to India, thus benefiting both nations economically.
• Global Skill Deficits: Countries like Israel, Germany, and Japan are facing workforce shortages due to aging populations, creating a significant opportunity for Indian workers to fill these gaps while also elevating their own skill levels.
• Remittances Impact: While permanent migration of highly skilled professionals has historically contributed to brain drain, this initiative focuses on manual laborers whose remittances play a crucial role in India's economy, contributing to 40% of total remittances.

Challenges and Preparations

• Skill Matching: One of the primary challenges is ensuring that workers possess the exact skills required by the destination countries, necessitating precise skill assessments and compliance with foreign regulations.
• Language Barriers: Language proficiency poses another hurdle, requiring additional training for workers to communicate effectively in the host country, particularly in trades that require technical language skills.
• Training Initiatives: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has developed training programs, including a four-day course on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), to enhance workers' existing skills and ensure they meet international standards.

Implementation and Future Prospects

• Collaboration Efforts: The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) collaborated with various government bodies to streamline the selection, training, and placement processes for prospective workers in Israel.
• Database Development: MITRA is also creating a dynamic database to identify skilled youth willing to migrate, ensuring better alignment between Indian workers and the needs of partner countries.
• Long-Term Benefits: Returning workers will bring back valuable experience and skills that can contribute to the Indian construction industry's growth, fostering a culture of skill enhancement and economic resilience.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the implications of India's circular migration agreements on skill development and economic growth. How can such initiatives reshape the narrative around brain drain?